A Chat's Determination
Sunlight glinted through the rather large windows to Adrien's room, casting everything the light toughed in a golden glow. Adrien, nearly oblivious to the dazzling light show, tiredly threw his backpack on the small couch near his foosball table, which he rarely got to play given how strict his father was on guests, before slumping down onto his bed with a sigh.
Adrien smiled softly to himself, amused with his own lack of energy despite how easy this Friday had been since there was not even an akuma to go after with his lady today. The thought of his dear sweet ladybug seemed to perk him up a bit as he popped up with a purpose. "Plagg, rest up now. We have patrol with Ladybug tonight", Adrien called over his shoulder to his kwami that sat curled up on his bed looking for all the world like a tiny normal cat. Plagg slowly opened one eye and glared at Adrien in annoyance, "Do we have too", Plagg whined pathetically before zooming over to Adrien with surprising speed when he caught sight of the small plate with several wedges of precious camembert cheese resting delicately, waiting and calling for him.
Adrien chuckled at the kwami's antics. "Yes Plagg. We have to go. It's Friday. We always get to patrol with Ladybug on Friday", Adrien lectured lightly. Plagg watched in mild curiosity as Adrien pulled down what Plagg could only call a retractable scroll. "This, Plagg, is my Ladybug hunting board. This is filled with all the things I know about her and clues that could lead me to her", Adrien exclaimed excitedly with a sparkle in his eyes as he examined the board. Plagg eyeballed currently occupying Adrien's attention, "Not exactly a whole lot to go on, is there", Plagg deadpanned as he took another bite from one to the wedges of camembert. Adrien whipped around and pointed accusingly at Plagg, "Hey, this is hard! It's not like she is carelessly leaving clues all the time", Adrien defended before pointing the picture of the textbook Alya had found. This, Plagg, is the best hint I've had in a long time! Even then it's taken me forever to verify that only our school uses this version of the text book. This would have been THE clue to Ladybug's identity, but this is the only good picture of the textbook ID code. Alya's hand is covering part of the code, but the part that isn't covered verifies that this book is registered to our school. The other number would have led to the student who was assigned the book", Adrien grumbled before perking back up. "That means that Ladybug, for a fact, goes to the same school as I do", Adrien beamed proudly.
Plagg floated up closer to the board and eyed the suspect list, which was surprisingly short. Plagg admired Adrien's list thoughtfully as he swallowed his mouthful of delicate cheese. "Hey, do you even know most of these girls", Plagg asked taking note of the fact he only had one person from his class on the list, to which Plagg silently gave Adrien credit because he was right. "Ya, I know. Marinette is the only one I know personally and even then I wish I could get to know her better. She's always so quiet, shy, and even a bit clumsy. I never get to have a long conversation alone with her before something happens. The other girls are girls that fit some basic physical characteristics from the other classes. You know, hair and eye color kinda stuff", Adrien admonished. "I know its kinda week, but it's a start", Adrien proclaimed exuberantly. "I'll hand it to you kid, you did pretty well. I'll do something I'm not supposed to do, but only because this information will not really help your search at all", Plagg said with a grin. Adrien eyed Plagg suspiciously, "Go on", Adrien pushed when Plagg seemed content to let the silence drag on too much for his chosen's liking. Plagg chuckled, "Alright, alright. Calm your jets….Like I said, this will not be anything new or ground breaking. I just want to tell you good job. Everything is correct so far. She does go to your school and she is on this list. However, I will not tell you anything else. Chat's honor and all that", Plagg drawled before scarfing down the rest of the wedge of camembert he was holding.
Adrien's eyes widened in awe as he stared at Plagg in disbelief, "You mean, I'm actually close to finding her", Adrien as in wonder as he brushed aside the fact Plagg wasn't telling him straight out. "I understand Chat's honor, but I really wish you could just tell me", Adrien breathed as he smiled at his board. Adrien's grin seemed to sparkle while his eyes took on a glow of determination. "Thank you Plagg. I know it wasn't that much, like you said, but it was more than enough for me to know what I have to do now. I gotta get to know these six girls enough to determine if they are the genuine article or not", Adrien beamed. Plagg smirked, "I know you are a pretty boy, but what makes you think these girls will let you grill them with questions? I mean, what will it look like if you just keep going up to girl after girl and leaving once you know they are not Ladybug? That's kinda creepy", Plagg laughed, firmly satisfied with throwing a wrench in Adrien's plan.
Adrien frowned in thought at Plagg's observation. "You're not wrong", Adrien grumbled as he let the board curl back up in its place over his bed. "That still leave me with how I'm going to figure out which of them is my lady! It's not like it's easy with this Miraculous magic hindering my search", Adrien complained. "It's tough," Plagg noted "but every Chat has to go through this. I don't know why none of you kittens like to follow my camembert advice, but this is the price to pay", Plagg mumbled sagely before downing the last of his cheese and settling himself back on Adrien's fluffy pillow.
Adrien smiled fondly at Plagg before shaking his head ruefully and walking out of the room to head to the dining room where dinner, and a pacing Natalie, were sure to be waiting. Dinner was exquisite, as usual. Another, "as usual" was the absence of his father. Adrien thanked Natalie for keeping him company at dinner, and chef Benoit for the wonderful meal, before heading back to his room to relax until it was time to go on patrol.
Time seemed to pass far too slowly for Adrien's liking as he reread one of Alya's articles about Ladybug on the ladyblog. Adrien perked up as he read an article listing off several of Ladybug's likes and dislikes. Adrien quickly printed off the list and sat it on his bed. "Alright," Adrien murmured "Ladybug likes sweets and specifically called out chocolate chip cookies. She also likes pink, fashion, and Jagged Stone", Adrien nodded to himself that these were all true things about his Lady. "She dislikes bullies, liars, candy made with fake mint, and physics", Adrien said absently as he made a short list of things to get or bring up, discretely, around his suspects. Adrien heistily pulled down his board and inserted his newest addition before letting it roll back up.
Adrien smiled at his latest effort. This list would help him narrow down his suspects and the identity of his lady. "I might even get her to tell me something new on patrol that can help me tonight", Adrien whispered excitedly. Adrien's grin only seemed to grow as he called "Oh, Plaaaaagggggg", in a sing song voice to alert this kwami about what time it was, much to his kwami's dismay. "Adrien…five more minutes", Plagg asked hopefully before Adrien enthusiastically punched the air and proclaimed, "Plagg, Claws Out". Plagg was unenthusiastically drawn into the ring with a flash of green light. Chat smirked as he spun his staff expertly before tossing it in the air and catching it daftly. "Looks like it's time to see what my Ladybug is up too", Chat said to himself as he opened the window and vaulted into the breezy night air, eager to spot Ladybug for the first time that day.
It did not take long to find Ladybug standing at the top of the Arc de Triomphe. Chat's eyes lit up as he approached the Paris landmark from above, having executed a perfectly timed jump. Ladybug turned at having heard the sound of Chat's landing before smiling brightly at her partner. "Look what the cat dragged in", Ladybug punned at Chat lightly while turning back to watch and listen to the city. Chat smiled broadly, "Mi'Lady, you must be in a fine mood if you are punning without me" Chat chirped happily while taking her hand and giving it gentle kiss.
Ladybug smiled, shook her head, and gently pulled her hand back. "I am. I managed to talk to that boy I like today without stuttering. Twice", Ladybug gushed excitedly. Chat frowned momentarily before he wiggled his eyebrows playfully, "But mi'lady, this is the first time I've seen you today", Chat started, "Unless you have fallen for me in civilian form too" Chat said with a characteristic smirk. Ladybug smiled before reaching over and ruffling Chat's already messy hair, "Dream on Chaton", Ladybug said playfully. "We need to split up. I'll meet you back at the Eiffel Tower if there are not any akuma. Call me if you find anything", Ladybug said authoritatively before giving Chat a wave and yo-yoing way to check "her" side of the city. Chat grinned goofily as he watched her swing way, "I'll make you fall for me one day Buggaboo", Chat sighed wistfully before patrolling what had been dubbed "his" side of the city.
Patrol was uneventful, much to Chat's pleasure. Chat made his way to the Eiffel Tower as quickly as he could in an effort to beat Ladybug in a race that only he was running. Chat grinned when he found their spot on the upper levels of the tower to be Ladybugless, deeming him the champion of his imaginary race against the red clad heroine. Chat did not have to wait long before Ladybug swung up to their spot. "Well," Ladybug called, almost sounding bored, "Nothing to report on my end. What about you Chat", Ladybug asked knowingly. Chat grinned, "Nothing major to report. I helped an old lady cross a street. That's about it", Chat reported, throwing Ladybug a mock salute which earned him the music of her light laughter. "I'm sure the lady is thankful for her glorified boy scout", Ladybug chirped as she leaned against the railing to look out at the city lights. "More like a knight in shining leather, thank you very much mi'lady", Chat pouted before joining her at the railing.
The cool breeze was refreshing after having run around half the city and Chat could not help but to admire the way it played with Ladybug's signature pig tails while simultaneously flapping the short ribbons that held them in place. Chat playfully swatted at the flapping ribbon closest to him which earned him another giggle from Ladybug. "You are just as advertised, you silly cat", Ladybug giggled softly before returning her gaze to the city they silently watched over each and every day.
The silence that fell over them was a comfortable one as they each enjoyed the others company without a word. This was nice, but this brought him no new information about the kind and courageous girl standing next to him. "How about we play a game? We take turns telling the other something about ourselves, a team building exercise", Chat offered while Ladybug eyed him skeptically. "I know what you're going to say, and I agree, but this isn't that big a deal. You pick what you share that way it's nothing, revealing", Chat offered again, hoping she would accept his request this time. Ladybug shrugged her shoulders and smiled softly, "Sure, why not. I get to choose what I share though", Ladybug asked again for clarification. Chat excitedly nodded his affirmation, not daring to speak for fear of somehow undoing his incredible stroke of luck.
Ladybug sat down and crossed her legs and bid Chat do the same with a motion of her hand, to which Chat obeyed as if her hand had actually caused him to sit. "So, we just share little things we wouldn't mind the other knowing", Ladybug asked again. Chat found his voice this time and managed a weak "yes" before he cleared his throat, which had suddenly gone dry at the thought of learning more about the girl under the mask, "I mean yes. Sorry, must have been all the running," Chat grinned sheepishly. "I-I can go first if you want to think about it some more", Chat offered. Ladybug smiled softly, "Ya, you do that. I-I don't even know what to say? There really isn't that much to know", Ladybug trailed off somewhat nervously. Chat smiled reassuringly, "I know that's not true mi'lady. I bet I will spend my whole life looking and still won't have enough", Chat breathed.
Ladybug rolled her eyes playfully, "Oh, go ahead and go already silly cat", Ladybug replied with a shake of her head as she started to think about what she could possibly say that would not be too much of a hint to her secret identity. Chat beamed happily, having caught what appeared to be the faintest hint of a blush just under her mask. "Well, I guess I'll do as my lady bids", Chat said playfully. "Let's see, I have a job, but it's one where I can still go to school", Chat offered hopefully. Ladybug seemed interested, much to Chat's pleasure. "Oh? I would ask what it was, but I guess that would count as too much information. I could track you down if I knew a detail like that", Ladybug pondered. "You can tail me anytime mi'lady", Chat punned which earned him a playful eye roll. "Very funny Chat", Ladybug replied while repressing the giggle that threatened to escape her lips. "Do you like your job", Ladybug asked genuinely. Chat smirked, "I'm great at my job. Who doesn't like doing things they are good at? While I admittedly don't want to do this forever, it's kinda fun now. I guess it has moments where it's a real drag because it makes my schedule crazy, but it makes my father happy when I do well, so I like it", Chat finished with a smile.
Ladybug smiled to, happy Chat liked the job he did. "Do you work for your dad", Ladybug asked, more curious about her partner than she had realized. Chat smirked, "I think it's my turn to learn something about you LB", Chipped happily while leaning over and nudging her shoulder with his head, much like a real cat might do. Ladybug smiled fondly before placing her hand on her chin to think. "Well, I", but she was cut short by Chat's protest, "And it can not be something I can learn on the Ladyblog", Chat said with a grin. Ladybug raised an eyebrow, but shrugged, "alright, fair enough. I like to bake. I'm pretty good at it too. If you want, I can bring you something next time to prove it", Ladybug offered. Chat beamed with excitement, "You bake? That's awesome! I would burn water if anybody would let me cook anything. I would love for you to bring something, although I already trust you. You wouldn't lie to me. So proof is not necessary, but would be greatly appreciated! I love baked stuff, but I'm not allowed to eat sweets really. On a diet", Chat bubbled without thinking. Ladybug just laughed at Chat's exuberance. "Alright, alright. I'll bring you something, remain call there kitty", Ladybug laughed.
Once the laughter died down, Ladybug let out a yawn. "Okay, one more from both of us before this bugs going to bug out. I'm tired and I need my beauty sleep", Ladybug managed to say though her yawn. "Ladybug, you could remain awake for a thousand years and not a single girl could hope to sleep enough to catch up", Chat sighed. Ladybug rolled her eyes for the upteenenth time that night. "Chat, you are a hopeless flirt, you know that", Ladybug asked rhetorically. Chat grinned, "This cat speaks facts mi'lady. One lesser fact than your beauty, is that I dislike camembert, but I have a friend who absolutely loves it", Chat chuckled as he could almost "feel" Plagg's annoyance. Ladybug giggled, "I'm glad you have such interesting friends. It must keep you on your toes." Chat smiled fondly, "Ya, my friends do just that, but I wouldn't trade them for anything. What about you Buggaboo? What's your last Ladybug fact of the night", Chat asked eager to learn more about your, but displeased with the thought that this meant that their time together was coming to a close tonight. Ladybug thought for a moment before she brightened up, "I like romance movies. I like romantic comedies too, but they have to not overdo it by trying too hard. That just makes it…eh", ladybug said while making a goofy face at the end.
Ladybug sprang to her feet and pulled her yo-yo from her waist, "Well, Chat. That was actually kind of fun. We should do that again sometime. Good night and sweet dreams Chat Noir", Ladybug called as she flung her yo-yo and zipped away, bounding and swinging over buildings until she was obscured from Chat's view by the many beautiful buildings in Paris. Chat sighed dreamily as he made the leap from the tower and began his final run home before it got too late.
Adrien plopped on his bed in his green pajamas before looking over at Plagg. "I'm going to start my investigation tomorrow Plagg. Are you sure you don't want to tell me who she is", Adrien asked with what he hoped was a winning smile. Plagg simply smirked and took another big bite of his camembert. Adrien sighed, having already assumed his answer before smiling softly to himself. "Eh, that's alright Plagg. This makes it more fun anyway. I would not be worthy of such information if I did not earn it the hard way anyway", Adrien chuckled.
The moon cast playful shadows across Adrien's darkened room as he slowly fell asleep to the sweet dreams his lady had bid him to find when she left him on the tower. Plagg watched Adrien fondly as he downed the rest of his cheese and flew over to join his beloved chosen for a good night's rest. The stars shined brightly and the trees swayed with the breeze as all of Paris slept soundly knowing their heroes were always ready to save the day, much to a brooding Hawkmoth's frustrations.
Authors Note:
I hope you enjoy the story so far. This is just the first chapter, so stay tuned to see what our favorite Chat gets himself into in the coming chapters. A special thanks to MissLogophile and their story "Can't Take It Anymore" for giving me the inspiration for this story.